Arman Tsarukyan anticipates the retirement of Islam Makhachev, expressing his belief that he will ascend to the top of the UFC lightweight division once Makhachev steps away.
Tsarukyan’s initial UFC bout was against Makhachev, a fight he lost by unanimous decision. A highly anticipated rematch was scheduled for UFC 311, with Makhachev as the lightweight champion, but Tsarukyan had to withdraw due to a hernia.
Following Tsarukyan’s withdrawal, Makhachev faced and submitted Renato Moicano in the first round of the UFC 311 main event. Makhachev went on to secure four successful title defenses, set records, and then relinquished his lightweight title to pursue a second division. He later captured the welterweight championship in his debut, becoming a two-division champion.
The reigning welterweight champion and pound-for-pound king is expected to defend his 170-pound title in August.
Meanwhile, Tsarukyan, the top contender in the lightweight division, has expressed interest in facing BMF champion Charles Oliveira and has also offered to be a backup fighter for the Ilia Topuria vs. Justin Gaethje lightweight title unification bout on June 14.
Tsarukyan has shown no inclination to move up to welterweight, and the 34-year-old Makhachev has indicated no plans to return to the lightweight division. Consequently, a fight between them in the near future appears unlikely.
During a recent appearance on the Full Send Podcast, when questioned about a potential future rematch with Islam Makhachev, Arman Tsarukyan stated:
“[Islam] is going to retire, I think, in two fights. One-two fights, he’s gone. But me, I’m going to take over this sport in one year.”
Tsarukyan further asserted that he will soon become the face of the UFC and looks forward to traveling the world with the championship belt once he secures it.
Arman Tsarukyan’s Prediction on Islam Makhachev’s Retirement
Tsarukyan has speculated that Islam Makhachev might retire after one or two more fights.
The Armenian contender believes he will dominate the sport within a year.
